Power management method and system

ABSTRACT

A power management method and system. The method includes retrieving and storing by a computer processor, identification data identifying power consumption devices. Each power consumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumes power. The computer processor monitors a power consumption level for each power consumption device. The computer processor disables each power consumption device from receiving and consuming power. The computer processor generates an association list associating each power consumption level with the identification data. The computer processor generates and stores a prioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling the power consumption devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and associated system formanaging a voltage signal associated with providing power to devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Managing power from a power provider for various power consumptiondevices typically comprises an inaccurate process with littleflexibility. Power provided by power providers typically variesdepending on conditions. Varying power may cause power consumptiondevices to malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a power management method comprising:

retrieving, by a computer processor of a computing system,identification data identifying a plurality of power consumption devicesat a specified location;

storing, by said computer processor, said identification data;

independently enabling, by said computer processor, each powerconsumption device of said plurality of power consumption devices suchthat each said power consumption device receives an input voltage signaland consumes power;

independently monitoring, by said computer processor in response to saidindependently enabling, a power consumption level for each said powerconsumption device;

after said independently monitoring, independently disabling by saidcomputer processor, each said power consumption device such that eachsaid power consumption device does not receive said input voltage signaland consume power;

after said independently disabling, generating by said computerprocessor, an association list, wherein said generating said associationlist comprises associating each said power consumption level with saididentification data such that each said power consumption level isassociated with a different power consumption device of said pluralityof power consumption devices;

generating, by said computer processor from said association list andbased on each said power consumption level and user input, aprioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling orenabling said plurality of power consumption devices; and

storing, by said computer processor, said prioritization list.

The present invention provides a power management method comprising:

retrieving, by a computer processor of a computing system,identification data identifying groups of power consumption devices atmultiple locations, wherein each group of said groups of said powerconsumption devices is associated with a different location of saidmultiple locations, and wherein said computing system is locatedexternal to said multiple locations;

storing, by said computer processor, said identification data;

retrieving, by said computer processor from said multiple locations,power consumption level data comprising power consumption levels foreach power consumption device of said groups of said power consumptiondevices;

generating by said computer processor, an association list, wherein saidgenerating said association list comprises associating said powerconsumption levels with said identification data such that each powerconsumption level of said power consumption levels is associated with adifferent power consumption device of said power consumption devices;

generating, by said computer processor from said association list andbased on each said power consumption level and user input, aprioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling orenabling each said power consumption device; and

storing, by said computer processor, said prioritization list.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of managing power for various powerconsumption devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for performing a load adjustmentmodification process, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative system to the system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by thesystem of FIGS. 1 and 2 for prioritizing an order for enabling ordisabling power consumption devices in one or more locations, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by thesystem FIGS. 1 and 2 for monitoring a frequency signal associated with asupply voltage retrieved from a power grid and performing a loadadjustment modification process, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer apparatus used for generating aprioritization list and performing a load adjustment modificationprocess, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 2 for monitoring a frequency signalassociated with a supply voltage retrieved from a power grid andperforming a load adjustment modification process with respect to powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n based on a value of the frequencysignal and a prioritization list, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. System 2 comprises an intelligent system forpreventing load fluctuations associated with power usage by electricaldevices (e.g., appliances such as a furnace turning on or off). Powerusage by the electrical devices may cause a frequency signal (e.g., 60Hertz (Hz)) associated with a supply voltage retrieved from a power grid(e.g., power transmission grid 7) to fluctuate (e.g., rise or fall).Therefore, system 2 is enabled to monitor the frequency signal andperform a load adjustment modification process (e.g., automaticallyturning power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n on and off) based on amonitored value of the frequency signal and a prioritization profile.When the frequency signal drops (i.e., indicating that a load exceeds asupply on power transmission grid 7), the load should be reducedquickly. System 2 determines devices to throttle or turn off and asubsequent order based on device power usage and an amount of supplyshortage. System 2 determines which power consumption device to turn offto reduce a power load on power transmission grid 7. For example, it maybe desirable to turn off an air conditioner compressor motor before ablower motor because the air conditioner compressor motor consumes muchmore energy and will have a greater effect on power demand. System isaware of all participating devices and their power usage patterns.

System 2 comprises a computing system 8 connected to a utility(s) 5through a power transmission grid 7. Computing system 8 is additionallyconnected to power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n. Computing system8 and power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n are located within aspecified location 14. Specified location 14 may comprise a house andsurrounding property, a building (associated with a business) andsurrounding property, etc. Power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n maycomprise any type of electrical device that consumes electrical power(e.g., appliances, a furnace, an oven, an air conditioner, a computer, ahot water tank, an electric heater, etc) provided by utility(s) 5.Electrical power may be retrieved via a power grid (e.g., powertransmission grid 7). Utility 5 may comprise any type of electricalpower supplier that produces and/or distributes electrical power.Utilities 5 a . . . 5 n may produce and/or distribute any type ofelectrical power including, inter alia, fossil fuel generated power,steam generated power, hydro generated power, solar generated power,wind generated power, fuel cell generated power, etc. Computing system 8may comprise relays or contactors for enabling or disabling power topower consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n. Alternatively, each of powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n may comprise a relay or contactorthat receives a control signal from computing system 8 and in responseenables or disables power to power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n.Computing system 8 may comprise a memory system. The memory system maycomprise a single memory system. Alternatively, the memory system maycomprise a plurality of memory systems. The memory system may beinternal to computing system 8 or external to computing system 8.Computing system 8 may comprise a software application for controllingfunctionality. Computing system 8 may communicate with utility(s) usingany method including, inter alia, power line communication (PLC),IP-over-power, Internet, wireless, etc. PLC comprises a system forcarrying data on a conductor used for electric power transmission.IP-over-Power comprises a system for using PLC by sending and receivingradio signals over power lines to provide access to the Internet.

Computing system 8 comprises a system for monitoring a power grid (e.g.,associated with power generated by utility(s) 5) frequency (e.g., 60Hertz (Hz)) and adjusting a load associated with power consumptiondevices 14 a . . . 14 n based on a value of the monitored frequency.Although system 2 is described with respect to monitoring a nominalfrequency of 60 Hz (i.e., associated with power generated by utility(s)5 and used in power generation in the United States), note that system 2may be used to monitor any nominal frequency value. For example, system2 may be used to monitor a nominal frequency value of 50 Hz (i.e., usedin Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, etc). System 2 performs thefollowing process:

When a frequency drop is detected and a load (i.e., associated with apower consumption of power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n) must bedecreased, power consumption devices (e.g., power consumption devices 14a . . . 14 n) may be turned off or down. Conversely, when a frequencyincrease is detected, power consumption devices (e.g., power consumptiondevices 14 a . . . 14 n) may be turned on or up. System 2 enables afunction by which the further the frequency deviates from a 60 Hznominal value, the more and potentially faster system 2 responds. Largeload or generation transients result in rapid changes in a power systemfrequency (e.g., frequency associated with Utility(s) 5), which isimmediately detectable throughout a power grid interconnect. Forexample, the loss of a significant power generation capacity (supply)results in a power system voltage and power system frequency fallingbelow nominal values. Likewise, a loss of a significant load (demand),such as a transmission line to an urban area tripping due to accident,lighting strike, or failure of a power substation results in a powersystem voltage and frequency rising above a nominal value. The couplingof a power system frequency and voltage is a result of rotating masseswhich are used to generate a majority of power. As a load increases,additional fuel must be provided to maintain the same power output. Ifadditional fuel (e.g., in the form of steam or combustion) is not added,the rotation speed of the turbine or prime mover drops and the outputfrequency falls with it. As the load decreases, fuel must be reduced inthe same manner.

System 2 may be used to automatically turn on or off power consumptiondevices 14 a . . . 14 n in response to a monitored power systemfrequency and a prioritization list indicating a shutdown order for eachof power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n. As the power systemfrequency level drops, devices on the prioritization list may beindependently disconnected until the frequency level rises to a normalvalue (e.g., 60 Hz). Likewise, if the power system frequency rises abovea normal level, devices on the prioritization list may be independentlyenabled until the frequency level drops to a normal value (e.g., 60 Hz).In extreme cases (e.g., a loss of a large portion of power generatingcapacity), the power system frequency level falls outside the 60+/−0.035Hz deadband used for most power generating systems. This results infurther degradation of the power system as generators trip off-line dueto their inability to function outside the deadband. An amount of timefor a response is measured in cycles ( 1/60th of a second) as adestructive interference between grid power and generator output mayresult in equipment damage. With communication delays measuring inseconds to minutes, this time may not be sufficient to avert acatastrophe. Therefore, system 2 enables a function by which the furtherthe system frequency deviates from the 60 Hz nominal value the more andpotentially faster system 2 responds. For example, although a frequencydrop to 59 Hz may not be harmful to motors in most air conditioningcompressors, system 2 may request that an air conditioning system, hotwater heater, electric heater, or other high demand device take a 5minute break in the event the system frequency dropped below 59 Hz.

The following steps illustrate a set up process performed by computingsystem 8 of system 2 for prioritizing a shutoff order for powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n:

1. Pre-register power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n foridentification.

2. Detect power usage patterns (i.e., an amount of power consumption) ofpower consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n.

3. Generate a prioritization list indicating a shutoff order for powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n. The prioritization list isgenerated based on the power usage patterns detected in step 2 andoptionally user input.

The following steps illustrate a load adjustment modification processperformed by computing system 8 based on a value of a monitoredfrequency signal on the power grid (e.g., from utility(s) 5 and theprioritization list generated in set up process as described, supra:

1. Computing system monitors a frequency signal associated with avoltage generated by utility(s) 5. If computing system 8 detectsfrequency signal level drop below a normal level (e.g., 60 Hz), thisindicates a shortage of supply power and/or excess power demand.Likewise, if computing system 8 detects frequency signal level riseabove a normal level (e.g., 60 Hz), this indicates an over abundance ofsupply power and/or not enough power demand.

-   -   A. If the monitored frequency signal level is plus or minus a        deadband value for the nominal line frequency (e.g., 60 Hz in        North America and the Caribbean, 50 Hz in Europe, parts of        Africa, Asia, and Australia, etc), least critical power        consumption devices (e.g., a TV, a radio, a clock, etc) are        disconnected or enabled according to the prioritization list.    -   B. If the monitored frequency signal is greater than the nominal        frequency level by more the deadband amount, a system load is        increased by enabling additional power consumption devices that        consume a great deal of power (e.g., an air conditioner, a        battery charger, a heater, etc) according to the prioritization        list.    -   C. If the monitored frequency signal is less than the nominal        frequency by more than the deadband amount, a system load is        decreased by disabling power consumption devices that consume a        great deal of power (e.g., an air conditioner, a battery        charger, a heater, etc) according to the prioritization list.        2. Computing system 8 continues to monitor power frequency        signal associated with the voltage generated by utility(s) 5 and        continues to enable or disable power consumption devices until        power supply/demand balance is restored.

Computing system 8 may prioritize enabling/disabling power consumptiondevices (e.g., power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n) by devicegrouping prioritization or independent device prioritization.

Device Grouping Prioritization

Computing system 8 may prioritize enabling/disabling of powerconsumption devices by specifying groups of power consumption devicesthat are responsive to variations in frequency. The groups of powerconsumption devices may vary by, inter alia, a time of day, a day of theweek, ambient conditions, etc.

Independent Device Prioritization

If power frequency level drop is small, only a small amount of powerconsumption device throttling may be necessary. In this case, powerconsumption devices that use smaller amounts of power may be throttledif they comprise a lower priority than other power consumption devices.

Table 1 illustrates a listing of power consumption devices (andassociated groups) as they are pre-registered (i.e., identified) intocomputing system 8 either manually or through an auto-discover process.

TABLE 1 Power Consumption Device Groups Air Conditioner N/A RefrigeratorN/A Water Heater N/A Bedroom TV Bedroom Bedroom DVD Bedroom Pool PumpSwimming Pool Pool Heater Swimming Pool Pool Lights Swimming Pool LightsCritical House Alarm Critical

Table 2 illustrates policy table (i.e., associated with table 1)specifying that as a frequency level drops further from 60 Hz,additional power consumption devices are turned off either individuallyor in groups.

TABLE 2 Deviation Frequency Level from 60 Hz Action 59.7 Hz-59.9 Hz VerySmall Disable air conditioner and swimming pool group. Throttle hotwater heater by reducing a temperature by 2 degrees 59.5 Hz-59.7 HzSmall Disable water heater and refrigerator for 10 minutes 59.3 Hz-59.5Hz Medium Disable water heater  59 Hz-59.3 Hz Large Disable refrigeratorfor 1 hour and disable bedroom group <59 Hz Very Large Disable alldevices except lights

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative system 2 a to system 2 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In contrast tosystem 2 of FIG. 1, system 2 a of FIG. 2 comprises an additionalregional (community) computing system 8 c for monitoring a frequencysignal associated with a supply voltage retrieved from a power grid andperforming a load adjustment modification process with respect powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n at location 18 a and powerconsumption devices 24 a . . . 24 n at location 18 b based on a value ofthe frequency signal and a regional prioritization list. Locations 18 aand 18 b comprise locations as described with respect to location 18 ofFIG. 1. Power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n and 24 a . . . 24 ncomprise power consumption devices as described with respect to powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n of FIG. 1. Computing system 8 c andoptional computing system 8 a and 8 b each comprise a computing systemas described with respect to computing system 8 of FIG. 1. Computingsystem 8 c monitors a frequency signal associated with a supply voltageretrieved from a power transmission 7 and enables a load adjustmentmodification process with respect power consumption devices 14 a . . .14 n at location 18 a and power consumption devices 24 a . . . 24 n.Optional computing system 8 a may be used as an interface forcommunications with and control of power to power consumption devices 14a . . . 14 n. Optional computing system 8 b may be used as an interfacefor communications with and control of power to power consumptiondevices 24 a . . . 24 n. Alternatively, computing system 8 c maydirectly communicate with and directly enable or disable power for powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n and 24 a . . . 24 n withoutinterfacing through computing system 8 a and 8 b computing system 8 b.

The following steps illustrate a set up process performed by computingsystem 8 c of system 2 a for prioritizing a shutoff order for powerconsumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n and 24 a . . . 24 n at locations 18a and 18 b:

1. Pre-register locations 18 a and 18 b.

1. Pre-register power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 n and 24 a . . .24 n for identification.

2. Detect power usage patterns (i.e., an amount of power consumption) oflocations 18 a and 18 b and individual power consumption devices 14 a .. . 14 n and 24 a . . . 24 n.

3. Generate a prioritization list indicating a shutoff order forlocations 18 a and 18 b and/or power consumption devices 14 a . . . 14 nand 24 a . . . 24 n. The prioritization list is generated based on thepower usage patterns detected in step 2 and optionally user input.

The following steps illustrate a load adjustment modification processperformed by computing system 8 c based on a value of a monitoredfrequency signal on the power grid (e.g., from utility(s) 5 and theprioritization list generated in set up process as described, supra:

1. Computing system 8 c monitors a frequency signal associated with avoltage generated by utility(s) 5. If computing system 8 c detectsfrequency signal level drop below a normal level (e.g., 60 Hz), thisindicates a shortage of supply power and/or excess power demand.Likewise, if computing system 8 c detects frequency signal level riseabove a normal level (e.g., 60 Hz), this indicates an over abundance ofsupply power and/or not enough power demand.

-   -   A. If the monitored frequency signal level is plus or minus a        deadband value for the nominal line frequency (e.g., 60 Hz in        North America and the Caribbean, 50 Hz in Europe, parts of        Africa, Asia, and Australia, etc), least critical power        consumption devices (e.g., a TV, a radio, a clock, etc) at        locations 18 a and 18 b are disconnected or enabled according to        the prioritization list. The prioritization list may specify how        much power reduction or consumption is required for each of        locations 18 a and 18 b and select least critical power        consumption devices based on the amount of power reduction or        consumption required for each of locations 18 a and 18 b.    -   B. If the monitored frequency signal is greater than the nominal        frequency level by more the deadband amount, a system load is        increased by enabling specified additional power consumption        devices (e.g., a water heater, a furnace, an air conditioning        unit, a TV, etc) at each of locations 18 a and 18 b that consume        a great deal of power (e.g., an air conditioner, a battery        charger, a heater, etc) according to the prioritization list.    -   C. If the monitored frequency signal is less than the nominal        frequency by more than the deadband amount, a system load is        decreased by disabling power consumption devices at each of        locations 18 a and 18 b that consume a great deal of power        (e.g., an air conditioner, a battery charger, a heater, etc)        according to the prioritization list.        2. Computing system 8 continues to monitor power frequency        signal associated with the voltage generated by utility(s) 5 and        continues to enable or disable power consumption devices at        locations 18 a and 18 b until power supply/demand balance is        restored.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 2of FIG. 1 or system 2 a of FIG. 2 for prioritizing an order for enablingor disabling power consumption devices in one or more locations, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 302, acomputing system (e.g., a computer processor of computing system 8 ofFIG. 1 or a computer processor of computing apparatus 8 c of FIG. 2)retrieves and stores identification data identifying a power consumptiondevices at a single location (e.g., locally at the single location) ormultiple locations (e.g., at a regional location). In step 304, thecomputing apparatus independently enables each power consumption device(e.g., at a same location or at different locations) such that each saidpower consumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumespower. In step 308, the computing system independently monitors andstores (i.e., in response to the enabling in step 304) a powerconsumption level for each power consumption device. In step 312, thecomputing system disables each power consumption device such that eachpower consumption device does not receive the input voltage signal andconsume power. In step 318, the computing system generates anassociation list comprises associating each power consumption level withthe identification data such that each power consumption level isassociated with a different power consumption device. In step 324, thecomputing system generates and stores a prioritization list indicatingan order of priority for disabling or enabling the power consumptiondevices. The prioritization list is generated based on the associationlist, each power consumption level, and user input. The user input mayinclude data indicating a time of day, a day of the week, ambientconditions, etc. in order to prioritize in response to variousconditions.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 2of FIG. 1 or system 2 a of FIG. 2 for monitoring a frequency signalassociated with a supply voltage retrieved from a power grid andperforming a load adjustment modification process with respect to powerconsumption devices (in one or more locations) based on a value of thefrequency signal and a prioritization list, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In step 402, a computing system(e.g., a computer processor of computing system 8 of FIG. 1 or acomputer processor of computing apparatus 8 c of FIG. 2) enables all orsome of the power consumption devices at one or more locations such thateach power consumption device receives an input voltage signal (from autility such as, inter alia, utility 5 of FIG. 1 or 2 via a power gridsuch as, inter alia, power transmission grid 7 of FIG. 1 or 2) andconsumes power. In step 404, the computing system detects and monitors afrequency signal associated with the input voltage signal. In step 406,the computing system compares (i.e., during a first specified timeperiod) a current frequency signal level to a predetermined frequencylevel value (e.g., 60 Hz). In step 408, the computing system determinesif a difference exists between the current frequency signal level andthe predetermined frequency value (i.e., the frequency signal levelcurrently comprises a first value that is not equal to the predeterminedfrequency value). If in step 408, the computing system determines that adifference does not exist between the current frequency signal level andthe predetermined frequency value then step 404 is repeated. If in step408, the computing system determines that a difference does existbetween the current frequency signal level and the predeterminedfrequency value then in step 410, the computing system calculates adifference value between the first value and the predetermined frequencyvalue. In step 412, the computing system compares the difference valueto a threshold value. In step 414, the computing system enables (i.e.,based on results of comparing the difference value to the thresholdvalue and the prioritization list) a load adjustment modificationprocess associated with the power consumption devices at one or morelocations and step 404 is repeated. The load adjustment modificationprocess of step 414 may be enabled in accordance with the followingconfigurations:

1. The results of step 406 indicate that the predetermined frequencyvalue exceeds the value of the frequency signal. In response, thecomputing system disables (i.e., in accordance with the prioritizationlist), an input voltage signal connection associated with a first powerconsumption device (i.e., disables the first power consumption devicefrom receiving the input voltage signal) at a first location. Thecomputing system continues to monitor the frequency signal associatedwith the input voltage signal and compares the current frequency signalto the predetermined frequency value. If a current frequency level valueof the frequency signal is about equal to the predetermined frequencyvalue, then step 404 is repeated. If a current frequency level value ofthe frequency signal is less than the predetermined frequency value thenthe computing system disables an input voltage signal connectionassociated with an additional power consumption device (i.e., disablesthe additional power consumption device from receiving the input voltagesignal). The additional power consumption device may be located at asame location as the first power consumption device. Alternatively, theadditional power consumption device may be located at a differentlocation from the first power consumption device. The aforementionedmonitoring and disabling process continues until a current frequencylevel value of the frequency signal is about equal to the predeterminedfrequency value.2. The results of step 412 indicate that the predetermined frequencyvalue exceeds the current frequency signal level value by more than thethreshold value. In response, the computing system disables (i.e., inaccordance with the prioritization list), an input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device (i.e.,disables the first power consumption device from receiving the inputvoltage signal) at a first location. The first power consumption devicecomprises a power consumption rate that exceeds a power consumption ratefor any other power consumption device of the prioritization list. Thecomputing system continues to monitor the frequency signal associatedwith the input voltage signal and compares a current frequency signal tothe predetermined frequency value. If a current frequency level value ofthe frequency signal is about equal to the predetermined frequencyvalue, then step 404 is repeated. If a current frequency level value ofthe frequency signal is less than the predetermined frequency value(e.g., by more than the threshold value) then the computing systemdisables an input voltage signal connection associated with anadditional power consumption device (i.e., disables the additional powerconsumption device from receiving the input voltage signal). Theadditional power consumption device may be located at a same location asthe first power consumption device. Alternatively, the additional powerconsumption device may be located at a different location from the firstpower consumption device. The aforementioned monitoring and disablingprocess continues until a current frequency level value of the frequencysignal is about equal to the predetermined frequency value.3. The results of step 412 indicate that the predetermined frequencyvalue exceeds the current frequency signal level value by less than thethreshold value. In response, the computing system disables (i.e., inaccordance with the prioritization list), an input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device (i.e.,disables the first power consumption device from receiving the inputvoltage signal) at a first location. The first power consumption devicecomprises a power consumption rate that comprises a least criticaldevice as compared to any other power consumption device of theprioritization list. The computing system continues to monitor thefrequency signal associated with the input voltage signal and compares acurrent frequency signal to the predetermined frequency value. If acurrent frequency level value of the frequency signal is about equal tothe predetermined frequency value, then step 404 is repeated. If acurrent frequency level value of the frequency signal is less than thepredetermined frequency value then the computing system disables aninput voltage signal connection associated with an additional (leastcritical) power consumption device (i.e., disables the additional powerconsumption device from receiving the input voltage signal). Theadditional power consumption device may be located at a same location asthe first power consumption device. Alternatively, the additional powerconsumption device may be located at a different location from the firstpower consumption device. The aforementioned monitoring and disablingprocess continues until a current frequency level value of the frequencysignal is about equal to the predetermined frequency value.4. The results of step 406 indicate that the value of the frequencysignal exceeds the predetermined frequency value. In response, thecomputing system enables (i.e., in accordance with the prioritizationlist), an input voltage signal connection associated with a first powerconsumption device (i.e., enables the first power consumption device toreceive the input voltage signal) at a first location. The computingsystem continues to monitor the frequency signal associated with theinput voltage signal and compares the current frequency signal to thepredetermined frequency value. If a current frequency level value of thefrequency signal is about equal to the predetermined frequency value,then step 404 is repeated. If a current frequency level value of thefrequency signal is greater than the predetermined frequency value thenthe computing system enables an input voltage signal connectionassociated with an additional power consumption device (i.e., enablesthe additional power consumption device to receive the input voltagesignal). The additional power consumption device may be located at asame location as the first power consumption device. Alternatively, theadditional power consumption device may be located at a differentlocation from the first power consumption device. The aforementionedmonitoring and enabling process continues until a current frequencylevel value of the frequency signal is about equal to the predeterminedfrequency value.5. The results of step 412 indicate that the current frequency signallevel exceeds the predetermined frequency value by more than thethreshold value. In response, the computing system enables (i.e., inaccordance with the prioritization list), an input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device (i.e.,enables the first power consumption device to receive the input voltagesignal) at a first location. The first power consumption devicecomprises a power consumption rate that exceeds a power consumption ratefor any other power consumption device of the prioritization list. Thecomputing system continues to monitor the frequency signal associatedwith the input voltage signal and compares a current frequency signal tothe predetermined frequency value. If a current frequency level value ofthe frequency signal is about equal to the predetermined frequencyvalue, then step 404 is repeated. If a current frequency level value ofthe frequency signal is greater than the predetermined frequency value(e.g., by more than the threshold value) then the computing systemenables an input voltage signal connection associated with an additionalpower consumption device (i.e., enables the additional power consumptiondevice to receive the input voltage signal). The additional powerconsumption device may be located at a same location as the first powerconsumption device. Alternatively, the additional power consumptiondevice may be located at a different location from the first powerconsumption device. The aforementioned monitoring and enabling processcontinues until a current frequency level value of the frequency signalis about equal to the predetermined frequency value.6. The results of step 412 indicate that the predetermined frequencyvalue exceeds the current frequency signal level value by less than thethreshold value. In response, the computing system enables (i.e., inaccordance with the prioritization list), an input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device (i.e.,enables the first power consumption device to receive the input voltagesignal) at a first location. The first power consumption devicecomprises a power consumption rate that comprises a least criticaldevice as compared to any other power consumption device of theprioritization list. The computing system continues to monitor thefrequency signal associated with the input voltage signal and compares acurrent frequency signal to the predetermined frequency value. If acurrent frequency level value of the frequency signal is about equal tothe predetermined frequency value, then step 404 is repeated. If acurrent frequency level value of the frequency signal is greater thanthe predetermined frequency value then the computing system enables aninput voltage signal connection associated with an additional (leastcritical) power consumption device (i.e., enables the additional powerconsumption device to receive the input voltage signal). The additionalpower consumption device may be located at a same location as the firstpower consumption device. Alternatively, the additional powerconsumption device may be located at a different location from the firstpower consumption device. The aforementioned monitoring and disablingprocess continues until a current frequency level value of the frequencysignal is about equal to the predetermined frequency value.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., computing system 8 a,8 b, or 8 c of FIGS. 1 and 2) used for generating a prioritization list,monitoring a frequency signal associated with a supply voltage retrievedfrom a power grid, and performing a load adjustment modificationprocess, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thecomputer system 90 comprises a processor 91, an input device 92 coupledto the processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91,and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The inputdevice 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The outputdevice 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, amagnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memorydevices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, amagnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or adigital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), aread-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 95 includes a computercode 97. The computer code 97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithmsof FIGS. 3-4) for generating a prioritization list, monitoring afrequency signal associated with a supply voltage retrieved from a powergrid, and performing a load adjustment modification process. Theprocessor 91 enables the computer code 97. The memory device 94 includesinput data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by the computercode 97. The output device 93 displays output from the computer code 97.Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additionalmemory devices not shown in FIG. 5) may comprise the algorithms of FIGS.3-4 and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readablemedium or a program storage device) having a computer readable programcode embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, whereinthe computer readable program code comprises the computer code 97.Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article ofmanufacture) of the computer system 90 may comprise said computer usablemedium (or said program storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service supplier who offers to generate a prioritization list,monitor a frequency signal associated with a supply voltage retrievedfrom a power grid, and perform a load adjustment modification process.Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying, creating,integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computinginfrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable code into thecomputer system 90, wherein the code in combination with the computersystem 90 is capable of performing a method for generating aprioritization list, monitoring a frequency signal associated with asupply voltage retrieved from a power grid, and performing a loadadjustment modification process. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides a business method that performs the process steps of theinvention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, aservice supplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer generate aprioritization list, monitor a frequency signal associated with a supplyvoltage retrieved from a power grid, and perform a load adjustmentmodification process. In this case, the service supplier can create,maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs theprocess steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, theservice supplier can receive payment from the customer(s) under asubscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service supplier canreceive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

While FIG. 5 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 5. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A power management method comprising: retrieving, by a computerprocessor of a computing system, identification data identifying aplurality of power consumption devices at a specified location; storing,by said computer processor, said identification data; independentlyenabling, by said computer processor, each power consumption device ofsaid plurality of power consumption devices such that each said powerconsumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumes power;independently monitoring, by said computer processor in response to saidindependently enabling, a power consumption level for each said powerconsumption device; after said independently monitoring, independentlydisabling by said computer processor, each said power consumption devicesuch that each said power consumption device does not receive said inputvoltage signal and consume power; after said independently disabling,generating by said computer processor, an association list, wherein saidgenerating said association list comprises associating each said powerconsumption level with said identification data such that each saidpower consumption level is associated with a different power consumptiondevice of said plurality of power consumption devices; generating, bysaid computer processor from said association list and based on eachsaid power consumption level and user input, a prioritization listindicating an order of priority for disabling said plurality of powerconsumption devices, wherein said prioritization list specifies multipledifferent frequency level ranges, associated deviation amounts from aspecified frequency f or each frequency level range of said multipledifferent frequency level ranges, and actions associated with eachdeviation amounts of said associated deviation amounts, and wherein saidactions comprise power enable/disable commands associated with specifictime periods; storing, by said computer processor, said prioritizationlists; after said storing said prioritization list, enabling by saidcomputer processor, a group of power consumption devices of saidplurality of power consumption devices such that each power consumptiondevice of said group receives said input voltage signal and consumespower; detecting, by said computer processor, a frequency signalassociated with said input voltage signal; monitoring, by said computerprocessor, said frequency signal; first comparing, by said computerprocessor during a first specified time period, said frequency signal toa predetermined frequency value; determining, by said computer processorbased on said first comparing, that said frequency signal comprises afirst value that is not equal to said predetermined frequency value;calculating, by said computer processor, a difference value between saidfirst value and said predetermined frequency value; second comparing, bysaid computer processor, said difference value to a threshold value;evaluating, by said computer processor, said prioritization list withrespect to said frequency signal and results of said second comparing;determining, by said computer processor, based on results of saidevaluating, that said frequency signal is associated with a firstfrequency level range of said multiple different frequency level ranges;and enabling, by said computer processor based on said results of saidsecond comparing and said evaluating said prioritization list, a loadadjustment modification process associated with said group of saidplurality of power consumption devices at said specified location,wherein said load adjustment process comprises enabling a first actionof said actions associated with said first frequency level range, saidresults of said second comparing, and a deviation amount of saiddeviation amounts, and wherein said first action is enabled for a firstspecified time period of said specific time periods.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said results of said first comparing indicate that saidpredetermined frequency value exceeds said first value of said frequencysignal, and wherein said load adjustment modification process comprises:first disabling, by said computer processor in response to said resultsof said first comparing and in accordance with said prioritization list,a first input voltage signal connection associated with a first powerconsumption device of said group of said plurality of power consumptiondevices, wherein said first disabling said first input voltage signalconnection disables said first power consumption device from receivingsaid input voltage signal; second monitoring, by said computer processorin response to said first disabling, said frequency signal associatedwith said input voltage signal at said first specified location; thirdcomparing, by said computer processor during a second specified timeperiod, said frequency signal to said predetermined frequency value; anddetermining, by said computer processor based on said first comparing,that said frequency signal comprises a second value that is about equalto said predetermined frequency value.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid results of said first comparing and results of said secondcomparing indicate that said predetermined value exceeds said firstvalue by more than said threshold value, and wherein said loadadjustment modification process comprises: first disabling, by saidcomputer processor in response to said results of said first comparingand said results of said second comparing, a first input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device of saidgroup of said plurality of power consumption devices, wherein said firstdisabling said first input voltage signal connection disables said firstpower consumption device from receiving said input voltage signal, andwherein said first power consumption device comprises a powerconsumption rate that exceeds a power consumption rate for any otherpower consumption device of said group of said plurality of powerconsumption devices; second monitoring, by said computer processor inresponse to said first disabling, said frequency signal associated withsaid input voltage signal at said first specified location; thirdcomparing, by said computer processor during a second specified timeperiod, said frequency signal to said predetermined frequency value; anddetermining, by said computer processor based on said first comparing,that said frequency signal comprises a second value that is about equalto said predetermined frequency value.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid results of said first comparing and results of said secondcomparing indicate that said predetermined value exceeds said firstvalue by less than said threshold value, and wherein said loadadjustment modification process comprises: first disabling, by saidcomputer processor in response to said results of said first comparingand said results of said second comparing, a first input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device of saidgroup of said plurality of power consumption devices, wherein said firstdisabling said first input voltage signal connection disables said firstpower consumption device from receiving said input voltage signal, andwherein said prioritization list indicates that said first powerconsumption device comprises a least critical power consumption deviceas compared to each other power consumption device of said group of saidplurality of power consumption devices; second monitoring, by saidcomputer processor in response to said first disabling, said frequencysignal associated with said input voltage signal at said first specifiedlocation; third comparing, by said computer processor during a secondspecified time period, said frequency signal to said predeterminedfrequency value; and determining, by said computer processor based onsaid first comparing, that said frequency signal comprises a secondvalue that is about equal to said predetermined frequency value.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said results of said first comparing indicatethat said first value of said frequency signal exceeds saidpredetermined frequency value, and wherein said load adjustmentmodification process comprises: first enabling, by said computerprocessor in response to said results of said first comparing and inaccordance with said prioritization list, a first input voltage signalconnection associated with a first power consumption device of saidplurality of power consumption devices, wherein said first enabling saidfirst input voltage signal connection enables said first powerconsumption device to receive said input voltage signal; secondmonitoring, by said computer processor in response to said firstenabling, said frequency signal associated with said input voltagesignal at said first specified location; third comparing, by saidcomputer processor during a second specified time period, said frequencysignal to said predetermined frequency value; and determining, by saidcomputer processor based on said first comparing, that said frequencysignal comprises a second value that is about equal to saidpredetermined frequency value.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein saidresults of said first comparing and results of said second comparingindicate that said first value of said frequency signal exceeds saidpredetermined frequency value by more than said threshold value, andwherein said load adjustment modification process comprises: firstenabling, by said computer processor in response to said results of saidfirst comparing and said results of said second comparing, a first inputvoltage signal connection associated with a first power consumptiondevice of said group of said plurality of power consumption devices,wherein said first enabling said first input voltage signal connectionenables said first power consumption device to receive said inputvoltage signal, and wherein said first power consumption devicecomprises a power consumption rate that exceeds a power consumption ratefor any other power consumption device of said plurality of powerconsumption devices; second monitoring, by said computer processor inresponse to said first enabling, said frequency signal associated withsaid input voltage signal at said first specified location; thirdcomparing, by said computer processor during a second specified timeperiod, said frequency signal to said predetermined frequency value; anddetermining, by said computer processor based on said first comparing,that said frequency signal comprises a second value that is about equalto said predetermined frequency value.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid results of said first comparing and results of said secondcomparing indicate that said first value of said frequency signalexceeds said predetermined frequency value by less than said thresholdvalue, and wherein said load adjustment modification process comprises:first enabling, by said computer processor in response to said resultsof said first comparing and said results of said second comparing, afirst input voltage signal connection associated with a first powerconsumption device of said group of said plurality of power consumptiondevices, wherein said first enabling said first input voltage signalconnection enables said first power consumption device to receives saidinput voltage signal, and wherein said prioritization list indicatesthat said first power consumption device comprises a power consumptiondevice that consumes a least amount of power as compared to each otherpower consumption device of said plurality of power consumption devices;second monitoring, by said computer processor in response to said firstenabling, said frequency signal associated with said input voltagesignal at said first specified location; third comparing, by saidcomputer processor during a second specified time period, said frequencysignal to said predetermined frequency value; and determining, by saidcomputer processor based on said first comparing, that said frequencysignal comprises a second value that is about equal to saidpredetermined frequency value.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein saidgroup of power consumption devices comprises all power consumptiondevices of said plurality of power consumption devices.
 9. A computerprogram product, comprising a computer storage device storing a computerreadable program code, said computer readable program code configured toperform a method upon being executed by a computer processor of acomputing system, said method comprising: retrieving, by said computerprocessor, identification data identifying a plurality of powerconsumption devices at a specified location; storing, by said computerprocessor, said identification data; independently enabling, by saidcomputer processor, each power consumption device of said plurality ofpower consumption devices such that each said power consumption devicereceives an input voltage signal and consumes power; independentlymonitoring, by said computer processor in response to said independentlyenabling, a power consumption level for each said power consumptiondevice; after said independently monitoring, independently disabling bysaid computer processor, each said power consumption device such thateach said power consumption device does not receive said input voltagesignal and consume power; after said independently disabling, generatingby said computer processor, an association list, wherein said generatingsaid association list comprises associating each said power consumptionlevel with said identification data such that each said powerconsumption level is associated with a different power consumptiondevice of said plurality of power consumption devices; generating, bysaid computer processor from said association list and based on eachsaid power consumption level and user input, a prioritization listindicating an order of priority for disabling said plurality of powerconsumption devices, wherein said prioritization list specifies multipledifferent frequency level ranges, associated deviation amounts from aspecified frequency f or each frequency level range of said multipledifferent frequency level ranges, and actions associated with eachdeviation amounts of said associated deviation amounts, and wherein saidactions comprise power enable/disable commands associated with specifictime periods; storing, by said computer processor, said prioritizationlist; after said storing said prioritization list, enabling by saidcomputer processor, a group of power consumption devices of saidplurality of power consumption devices such that each power consumptiondevice of said group receives said input voltage signal and consumespower; detecting, by said computer processor, a frequency signalassociated with said input voltage signal; monitoring, by said computerprocessor, said frequency signal; first comparing, by said computerprocessor during a first specified time period, said frequency signal toa predetermined frequency value; determining, by said computer processorbased on said first comparing, that said frequency signal comprises afirst value that is not equal to said predetermined frequency value;calculating, by said computer processor, a difference value between saidfirst value and said predetermined frequency value; second comparing, bysaid computer processor, said difference value to a threshold value;evaluating, by said computer processor, said prioritization list withrespect to said frequency signal and results of said second comparing;determining, by said computer processor, based on results of saidevaluating, that said frequency signal is associated with a firstfrequency level range of said multiple different frequency level ranges;and enabling, by said computer processor based on said results of saidsecond comparing and said evaluating said prioritization list, a loadadjustment modification process associated with said group of saidplurality of power consumption devices at said specified location,wherein said load adjustment process comprises enabling a first actionof said actions associated with said first frequency level range, saidresults of said second comparing, and a deviation amount of saiddeviation amounts, and wherein said first action is enabled for a firstspecified time period of said specific time periods.
 10. A powermanagement method comprising: retrieving, by a computer processor of acomputing system, identification data identifying groups of powerconsumption devices at multiple locations, wherein each group of saidgroups of said power consumption devices is associated with a differentlocation of said multiple locations, and wherein said computing systemis located external to said multiple locations; storing, by saidcomputer processor, said identification data; retrieving, by saidcomputer processor from said multiple locations, power consumption leveldata comprising power consumption levels for each power consumptiondevice of said groups of said power consumption devices; generating bysaid computer processor, an association list, wherein said generatingsaid association list comprises associating said power consumptionlevels with said identification data such that each power consumptionlevel of said power consumption levels is associated with a differentpower consumption device of said power consumption devices; generating,by said computer processor from said association list and based on eachsaid power consumption level and user input, a prioritization listindicating an order of priority for disabling each said powerconsumption device, wherein said prioritization list specifies multipledifferent frequency level ranges, associated deviation amounts from aspecified frequency for each frequency level range of said multipledifferent frequency level ranges, and actions associated with eachdeviation amounts of said associated deviation amounts, and wherein saidactions comprise power enable/disable commands associated with specifictime periods; storing, by said computer processor, said prioritizationlists after said storing said prioritization list, enabling by saidcomputer processor, each said group of power consumption devices suchthat each said group receives an input voltage signal from a powertransmission grid and consumes power; detecting, by said computerprocessor, a frequency signal associated with said input voltage signal;monitoring, by said computer processor, said frequency signal; firstcomparing, by said computer processor during a first specified timeperiod, said frequency signal to a predetermined frequency value;determining, by said computer processor based on said first comparing,that said frequency signal comprises a first value that is not equal tosaid predetermined frequency value; calculating, by said computerprocessor, a difference value between said first value and saidpredetermined frequency value; second comparing, by said computerprocessor, said difference value to a threshold value; evaluating, bysaid computer processor, said prioritization list with respect to saidfrequency signal and results of said second comparing; determining, bysaid computer processor, based on results of said evaluating, that saidfrequency signal is associated with a first frequency level range ofsaid multiple different frequency level ranges; and enabling, by saidcomputer processor based on results of said second comparing and saidprioritization list, a load adjustment modification process associatedwith said groups of power consumption devices at said multiple locationswherein said load adjustment process comprises enabling a first actionof said actions associated with said first frequency level range, saidresults of said second comparing, and a deviation amount of saiddeviation amounts, and wherein said first action is enabled for a firstspecified time period of said specific time periods.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said results of said first comparing indicate thatsaid predetermined frequency value exceeds said first value of saidfrequency signal, and wherein said load adjustment modification processcomprises: first disabling, by said computer processor in response tosaid results of said first comparing and in accordance with saidprioritization list, a first input voltage signal connection associatedwith a first power consumption device of a first group of said powerconsumption devices associated with a first location of said multiplelocations, wherein said first disabling said first input voltage signalconnection disables said first power consumption device from receivingsaid input voltage signal; second monitoring, by said computer processorin response to said first disabling, said frequency signal associatedwith said input voltage signal; third comparing, by said computerprocessor during a second specified time period, said frequency signalto said predetermined frequency value; determining, by said computerprocessor based on results of said third comparing, that said frequencysignal comprises a second value that is less than said predeterminedfrequency value; second disabling, by said computer processor inresponse to said results of said third comparing and in accordance withsaid prioritization list, a second input voltage signal connectionassociated with a second power consumption device of a second group ofsaid power consumption devices associated with a second location of saidmultiple locations, wherein said second disabling said second inputvoltage signal connection disables said second power consumption devicefrom receiving said input voltage signal; third monitoring, by saidcomputer processor in response to said second disabling, said frequencysignal associated with said input voltage signal; fourth comparing, bysaid computer processor during a third specified time period, saidfrequency signal to said predetermined frequency value; and determining,by said computer processor based on results of said fourth comparing,that said frequency signal comprises a third value that is about equalto said predetermined frequency value.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein said results of said first comparing and results of said secondcomparing indicate that said predetermined value exceeds said firstvalue by more than said threshold value, and wherein said loadadjustment modification process comprises: first disabling, by saidcomputer processor in response to said results of said first comparingand in accordance with said prioritization list, a first input voltagesignal connection associated with a first power consumption device of afirst group of said power consumption devices associated with a firstlocation of said multiple locations, wherein said first disabling saidfirst input voltage signal connection disables said first powerconsumption device from receiving said input voltage signal, and whereinsaid first power consumption device comprises a power consumption ratethat exceeds a power consumption rate for any other power consumptiondevice of said first group of said power consumption devices; secondmonitoring, by said computer processor in response to said firstdisabling, said frequency signal associated with said input voltagesignal; third comparing, by said computer processor during a secondspecified time period, said frequency signal to said predeterminedfrequency value; determining, by said computer processor based onresults of said third comparing, that said frequency signal comprises asecond value that is less than said predetermined frequency value;second disabling, by said computer processor in response to said resultsof said third comparing and in accordance with said prioritization list,a second input voltage signal connection associated with a second powerconsumption device of a second group of said power consumption devicesassociated with a second location of said multiple locations, whereinsaid second disabling said second input voltage signal connectiondisables said second power consumption device from receiving said inputvoltage signal, and wherein said second power consumption devicecomprises a power consumption rate that exceeds a power consumption ratefor any other power consumption device of said second group of saidpower consumption devices; third monitoring, by said computer processorin response to said second disabling, said frequency signal associatedwith said input voltage signal; fourth comparing, by said computerprocessor during a third specified time period, said frequency signal tosaid predetermined frequency value; and determining, by said computerprocessor based on results of said fourth comparing, that said frequencysignal comprises a third value that is about equal to said predeterminedfrequency value.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein said results ofsaid first comparing and results of said second comparing indicate thatsaid predetermined value exceeds said first value by less than saidthreshold value, and wherein said load adjustment modification processcomprises: first disabling, by said computer processor in response tosaid results of said first comparing and in accordance with saidprioritization list, a first input voltage signal connection associatedwith a first power consumption device of a first group of said powerconsumption devices associated with a first location of said multiplelocations, wherein said first disabling said first input voltage signalconnection disables said first power consumption device from receivingsaid input voltage signal, and wherein said first power consumptiondevice comprises a power consumption rate that exceeds a powerconsumption rate for any other power consumption device of said firstgroup of said power consumption devices, and wherein said prioritizationlist indicates that said first power consumption device comprises aleast critical power consumption device as compared to each other powerconsumption device of said first group of said power consumptiondevices; second monitoring, by said computer processor in response tosaid first disabling, said frequency signal associated with said inputvoltage signal; third comparing, by said computer processor during asecond specified time period, said frequency signal to saidpredetermined frequency value; determining, by said computer processorbased on results of said third comparing, that said frequency signalcomprises a second value that is less than said predetermined frequencyvalue; second disabling, by said computer processor in response to saidresults of said third comparing and in accordance with saidprioritization list, a second input voltage signal connection associatedwith a second power consumption device of a second group of said powerconsumption devices associated with a second location of said multiplelocations, wherein said second disabling said second input voltagesignal connection disables said second power consumption device fromreceiving said input voltage signal, and wherein said prioritizationlist indicates that said second power consumption device comprises aleast critical power consumption device as compared to each other powerconsumption device of said second group of said power consumptiondevices; third monitoring, by said computer processor in response tosaid second disabling, said frequency signal associated with said inputvoltage signal; fourth comparing, by said computer processor during athird specified time period, said frequency signal to said predeterminedfrequency value; and determining, by said computer processor based onresults of said fourth comparing, that said frequency signal comprises athird value that is about equal to said predetermined frequency value.